Summary
Residents pressed the board to strengthen the draft data center ordinance, arguing state law doesn't prevent stricter local rules and warning about water and power demands of hyperscale facilities.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 3
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
Potential higher electric prices if a large data center locates locally.
Residents if the ordinance gains enforceable limits.
Commenters argued the ordinance is weak enough to invite data centers that would burden water and power systems.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Board of Directors - Study Session - Oct 13, 2026
Residents pressed the board to strengthen the draft data center ordinance, arguing state law doesn't prevent stricter local rules and warning about water and power demands of hyperscale facilities.
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting - Oct 5, 2026
The board's first-ever rules for data centers now require Planning Commission and Board approval plus strict design standards, but most speakers wanted a ban. Residents worry about water use, higher electric bills, noise, and whether the rules would deter or actually invite data centers. Staff said the ordinance can be strengthened later.
Tighter data center rules on Fort Smith Board agenda
Tighter data center rules on Fort Smith Board agenda Talk Business & Politics
Fort Smith water surcharge one idea in crafting data center development rules
Fort Smith water surcharge one idea in crafting data center development rules Talk Business & Politics
Board of Directors - Study Session - Aug 11, 2026
As data centers become a real possibility in Fort Smith, the city is writing zoning rules — noise limits, utility usage, water systems, setbacks — modeled on Fayetteville's and Little Rock's ordinances. Rules will go through the Planning Commission first.
Fort Smith Board of Directors set to discuss regulations for data center development
Fort Smith Board of Directors set to discuss regulations for data center development Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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